Teachers were standouts among the Dickensian challenges of 2020

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 As a lover of history and literature, I have always been interested in the works of Charles Dickens, especially his role in shaping the modern holiday of Christmas with his work A Christmas Carol. I admire how Dickens used his writing to address important issues around social justice focusing on the most vulnerable in society. One of the most poignant moments in A Christmas Carol is when the Ghost of Christmas Present confronts Scrooge with two disadvantaged children he called Ignorance and Want.

Dickens' inspiration for these two characters actually came from a visit to a school in London that served some of the most severely depraved children living in the slums of the city. He believed the seeds of ruin are sown in any society that neglects to care for the most needy. He fundamentally believed that society had an important role in collectively working together to care for those in need.

As educators we have faced many Dickensian challenges in 2020. The pandemic has further exacerbated many of our most troubling divisions and widened the economic, racial, and educational gaps in our society.  But if Dickens could visit our schools, I think he would be filled with a sense of hope. The work that educators collectively do every day for all children, especially the most disadvantaged, inspires me to persist in the face of society's challenges. I am thankful for the efforts of everyone working in schools around the Commonwealth.  The year 2020 will go down in history for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the role that many-- including educators-- played in working tirelessly and bravely to support those in most need. Educators distinguished themselves for their ingenuity, compassion, and commitment to their students this year. Kentucky is truly blessed to have the wonderfully dedicated educators working hard to make our Commonwealth a great place.

Happy Holidays, see you in 2021!

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